The 2014 Powerchair Football Nationals kicked off today (Tuesday 5 August) at the Kevin Betts Stadium in Mount Druitt with six teams battling it out over four days to be recognised as the top powerchair football side in Australia.
Powerchair football is one of the fastest growing sports for powered wheelchair users around the globe. A competitive, challenging team game, Powerchair football combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself.
New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Canterbury Boltz (NZ) will all compete in what will be a memorable sporting event.
Prior to the kick-off of the tournament Australian Paralympian and Football4all Ambassador John Maclean presented NSW with their jerseys as well as Football NSW's Hayley Todd and Rob Fitzgerald assisting in the presentations.
Australian Powerchair Football Association President, Mr Matt Cross, said the sport of Powerchair football has come a long way since in Australia the governing body was officially formed in 2010.
“2013 and 2014 have been very successful years for Powerchair Football in Australia,” he said.
“The 2013 Australian Powerchair Football National Championships saw New South Wales defended their 2013 Championship, defeating Queensland 2-1. In 2014 we look to build on what was a highly successful event.
“This year all six teams will play against each other in a round robin style tournament with the top four teams fighting it out in the semi-finals for the right to contest in the 2014 National Championships.
“2014 will also feature the second meeting between Australia and New Zealand, with both nations playing for The Invacare Ditch Cup.”
Former Socceroos mentor Rale Rasic will be one of the many interested observers at the Championships was eagerly anticipating these National Titles but promoted the point about how tough these athletes were.
“As a global ambassador for Powerchair Football, I have seen athletes from all around the world. These players compete in competitions just like this one, they do not ask, they never ask for anything but strive to be the best they can be.
“They want to be treated just the same as you and I and are prepared to live their lives as best as they can.
“They do not see themselves as being disabled but seek to be the best people they can possibly be.
“We can learn how to live better by following their example.”
Round robin matches will commence today with the Finals set for Saturday 9 August following The Invacare Ditch Cup between Australia and New Zealand.
